TAHLEQUAH – The Northeastern State men's basketball team wraps the regular season by hosting a pair of in-state rivals in Rogers State (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.) and Central Oklahoma (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.). NSU can only clinch an MIAA Tournament berth with two wins this week, in addition to a pair of losses for Northwest Missouri, an Emporia State loss to Missouri Western on Wednesday and a Nebraska Kearney loss to Fort Hays State on Thursday.

Through 26 games, Northeastern State ranks third in the MIAA in scoring (82.9 points per game) and second in field goal percentage (49.4%). The RiverHawks rank fourth in rebounding (37 RPG) and third in assists per game (15.9). Individually, Xavier Glenn is third in the MIAA in scoring (18.7 PPG). Additionally, AJ Reed Jr. is tenth in assists per game (3.6).

A Quick Look Back
The RiverHawks fell in an 87-80 decision to Northwest Missouri on Thursday before seeing the losing streak extended to five with a 97-83 defeat to Missouri Western Saturday. Harry Neilson paced NSU in both games, becoming the first true freshman in recorded program history to have three double-doubles in his first 24 appearances with the program with a 17-point, 12-rebound showing against the Bearcats on Thursday. He added 25 points to help NSU dominate the paint against the Griffons, with the team claiming a +22 on scoring in that area. Meanwhile, NSU's 61.4% shooting clip against the Griffons marked their highest in a loss across recorded program history.

About Rogers State
Rogers State (17-0, 11-6 MIAA) aim for their third straight MIAA road win after dropping four of their first six away from Claremore in conference play to start the campaign. The Hillcats are ninth in scoring (77.2 PPG), but are in the top four in both field goal percentage (48.2%) and three-point conversion rate (35.6%). The offense also sits second in assists per game (17.3).

Defensively, they allow 70 PPG, an average that is fourth-lowest in the league. The Hillcats are tied for fifth in the MIAA in opposing field goal percentage (42.3%) and are fourth in both opposing three-point percentage (30.1%) and blocks per game (3.3).

The Series: The RiverHawks aim to tie the series at 13 games apiece with a win on Wednesday.

About Central Oklahoma
Central Oklahoma (15-14, 8-9 MIAA) aim for a turnaround in time for Kansas City, entering the week as losers of three straight. Their last win inside of regulation occurred nearly a month ago on Jan. 31 against Emporia State. The Bronchos look to avoid finishing below .500 in conference play for the second time in the Bob Hoffman era and for the first time since his first campaign with the program (2019-20).

The Bronchos are 12th in the MIAA in scoring offense (72.6 PPG) and are in the bottom five in the league in conversion rate on field goals (44.4%, 10th) and three-point tries (31.1%, 14th). The team is third in turnover margin (2.9) and opposing scoring (68.7 PPG), while they pace the association in blocks per game (4.2) and are third in steals (8).

The Series: The RiverHawks aim for the 64th win in the 169th meeting between teams. The series dates back to Mar. 7, 1925 and has seen 102 total contests in Tahlequah.

Up Next
If they qualify, the RiverHawks will take the court in the MIAA Tournament on Wednesday, Mar. 4 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. for an opening round contest.